Grave Marker

ABSTRACT

A marker for a grave includes a base configured for contact with the earth and a planar stone panel with indicia thereon. The stone panel has opposing first and second faces and opposing first and second edges. A first bracket is extends over the first edge and a second bracket extends over the second edge. The first and second brackets restrain the stone panel therebetween and a frame attaches to the first and second brackets for attachment to the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to markers for graves, and more particularly to grave markers that are affordable along with theft and vandal-resistant.

Headstones, tombstones, and gravestones mark the graves of the deceased so their locations can be determined. Grave markers are commonly made of stones that are placed over a grave, and may have the deceased's name, date of birth, date of death and other indicia engraved in it. Grave markers commonly include other engraved matter that may include a message, a prayer and artwork. Grave markers come in many forms, and can be elaborate or simple, but all grave markers are intended to inform the living about a deceased person buried at a particular location.

Traditional grave markers made of stone have typically been thick so that they last for many years. Because vandals and thieves seek to move or damage grave markers, making such markers heavy also makes them resistant to theft and vandalism. Unfortunately, the cost of stone grave markers has become high due to the cost of thick and heavy stone as well as the labor required to engrave and position them.

The need exists for a less expensive alternative to the traditional thick, heavy and expensive stone grave marker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a marker for a grave in the earth. The marker comprises a base configured for contact with the earth and a planar stone panel with indicia thereon. The stone panel has opposing first and second faces and opposing first and second edges. Opposing structures are structures that face generally away from one another. Opposing structures need not face exactly opposite directions. A first bracket is configured for extending over the first edge and a second bracket is configured for extending over the second edge. The first and second brackets are configured for restraining the stone panel therebetween. A frame attaches to the first and second brackets and is configured for attachment to the base.

In some embodiments, the first bracket has a first front face panel and at least one finger configured for disposing adjacent the first edge. In some embodiments, the second bracket has a second front face panel and at least one finger configured for disposing adjacent the second edge. The stone panel may be configured for interposition between the frame and the first and second front face panels. In some embodiments, at least one member is configured to extend to the base from attachment to the frame, thereby forming an enclosure between the stone panel and the base. In some embodiments, a third bracket is configured for extending over a third edge of the stone panel and a fourth bracket is configured for extending over a fourth edge of the stone panel, wherein the third and fourth brackets are configured for attachment to the frame.

Some embodiments include a second planar stone panel with indicia, the second stone panel having opposing first and second edges and configured for being spaced from the stone panel. A third bracket is attached to the frame and is configured for extending over the first edge of the second stone panel. A fourth bracket is attached to the frame and is configured for extending over the second edge of the second stone panel.

In some embodiments, a receptacle is mounted to the frame, the first bracket and/or the second bracket.

Disclosed herein is a method of constructing a grave marker at a grave in the earth. The method comprises disposing a base in contact with the earth, attaching a frame to the base and attaching first and second spaced brackets to the frame. The method also comprises a step of disposing a planar stone panel with indicia in a gap between the first and second brackets, the stone panel having opposing first and second edges over which the first and second brackets, respectively, are disposed. This forms a gap between the stone panel and the base, wherein the first and second brackets sufficiently restrain the stone panel to restrict removal of the stone panel without moving at least one of the brackets relative to the stone panel.

In some embodiments, the method includes extending at least one member to the base from attachment to the frame, thereby forming an enclosure between the stone panel and the base. In some embodiments, the method includes extending a third bracket, which is attached to the frame, over a third edge of the stone panel, and extending a fourth bracket, which is attached to the frame, over a fourth edge of the stone panel.

In some embodiments, the method includes spacing from the stone panel a second planar stone panel having indicia and opposing first and second edges. The embodiment may include extending a third bracket, which is attached to the frame, over the first edge of the second stone panel, and extending a fourth bracket, which is attached to the frame, over the second edge of the second stone panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view in perspective illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a front view in section through the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 show a grave marker 10 with a frame 20 holding a stone 30. The stone 30 may be a marble or granite panel or any other suitable planar or non-planar object. The stone 30 may bear indicia 31 on one or more sides, such as one of the major surfaces, and the indicia 31 may include letters, numbers, artwork, shapes, and/or desired images of any kind, or a combination of all of these, such as dates, names and images of a person, as an example. Any indicia may be formed on the stone 30 by engraving, laser etching, chemical etching or any other means of imprinting or placing visible items on the stone 30.

The frame 20 may include frame members 22, 24, 26 and 28 (FIG. 2 ), which are attached at opposite ends of each of the members to form a rigid structure to which other components of the grave marker 10 may attach. The frame 20 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the frame members 22-28 are stainless steel beams that are welded at opposite ends to form a rectangular shape as seen in FIG. 2 . Some or all of the beams may have a cross section that is L-shaped, U-shaped, planar or another suitable shape.

Attachment legs 40 and 42 are a component of the frame 20 and extend from the members 22-28 to a base, which may be a concrete pad 50 resting upon, or in, the earth. The base may alternatively be a vertical post or pole mounted in the earth, or such post combined with a horizontal panel attached to the post. The base may be any other combination of structures that are resting upon, or attached to, the earth and to which the other components of the grave marker 10 may be mounted to make the grave marker 10 difficult for a person to move or damage. In one embodiment, the legs 40 and 42 are stainless steel beams that are welded at one end to opposite sides of the combined frame members 22-28 shown in FIG. 2 . One or both of the legs 40 and 42 may have a cross section that is L-shaped, U-shaped, planar or another shape. The legs 40 and 42 may be fastened to the concrete pad 50, such as by welding, adhesive or fasteners, such as bolts. In a preferred embodiment, the legs 40 and 42 are angled relative to the frame members 24 and 28 by an angle of about 80 to 85 degrees, thereby causing the stone 30 to be tilted relative to the pad 50 for aesthetic and functional purposes. Typically, the stone 30 does not contact the pad 50, and is spaced from the pad by at least one-half inch, and preferably one to two inches. Thus, a gap is formed between the lower end of the stone 30 and the pad 50.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 , the stone 30 is a six-sided granite panel with one curved side 32, three straight sides 34, 36 and 38, and two opposing faces 15 and 17, one of which has the indicia 31. The stone 30 has four corners 33, 35, 37 and 39 where the sides 32, 34, 36 and 38 intersect. The stone 30 may be about one inch thick, with a width of about 32 inches and a height of about 30 inches at the peak in the orientation of FIG. 1 . Alternative stones may be thinner or thicker and a typical thickness range is between about one-half inch and about two and one-half inches thick. The width and height may range from a few inches to several feet.

The frame 20 supports the stone 30 by a plurality of brackets 23, 25, 27 and 29 that are fixed to the frame 20 and restrain the position of the stone 30 relative to the frame. The brackets are attached to the frame to prevent substantial movement, such as by welding, adhesive or fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. Any suitable attachment may be substituted. When the stone is positioned between the brackets, the stone cannot move enough relative to the frame 20 to be removed from the frame. The embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 has four brackets with one at each of the corners of the stone, but fewer than four brackets may be necessary for stones of other shape. If the shape of the stone is suitable, as few as two brackets may be used to secure the stone in the grave marker. For example, two brackets at opposing sides or corners may restrain a stone sufficiently to limit movement, depending on the shape of the stone and the desired level of security. In some embodiments, three brackets may be necessary or desirable, and in others four or more may be desirable.

FIG. 4 shows the corners 33-39 of the stone 30 with the brackets 23-29 in section and in an operable position, with each bracket at a corresponding corner. Each of the brackets 23-29 consists of fingers (e.g., the bracket 25 has fingers 25 a and 25 b) angled relative to one another, and each finger is disposed adjacent a respective one of the sides 32-38 of the stone 30. The fingers may be stainless steel strips or plates welded or bent at their intersection, or the entire bracket may be cast or forged into shape. Because the brackets 23-29 are positioned at the corners of the stone 30 with fingers abutting adjacent sides, and the brackets are fixed to the rigid members 22-28, the brackets 23-29 restrict the stone from moving substantially within the plane that contains the stone 30. There may be enough space between the brackets and the stone to move the stone a fraction of an inch within the plane, but under normal conditions the positions of the brackets and their relative sizes prevent the stone from being removed from the frame 20 without the brackets being moved.

Each of the brackets has a respective front panel (see FIG. 1 ) that restricts the stone 30 from moving perpendicular to the plane of the stone 30 away from the frame 20. The front panels 23′, 25′, 27′ and 29′ may be welded or otherwise adhered to the respective fingers of each corresponding bracket, or they may be integrally cast or forged with the fingers. Some or all of the brackets may have a rear panel that is similar to the front panels. The frame 20 is positioned on the opposite, rear major face of the stone 30 and restricts the stone 30 from moving perpendicular to the plane of the stone 30 a substantial distance away from the front panels 23′-29′ of the brackets 23-29, which is directly toward the frame 20.

The stone 30 is thus retained between the opposing brackets 23-29, portions of which enclose the opposing corners 33-39 and sides 32-38 of the stone 30 to prevent the stone 30 from being removed from between the brackets 23-29 without moving one or more of the brackets from the restraining position shown in FIGS. 1-4 . Once positioned as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the stone 30 is restrained from substantial movement sufficient to remove the stone 30 from the remaining components of the grave marker 10.

Structural members may extend from the frame 20, such as from the side members 24 and 28 to the legs 42 and 40, respectively, to support the grave marker 10. As an example, the member 60 may be a stainless steel beam that is welded at one end to the top (in the orientation of FIG. 2 ) of the member 28 and extends at an angle to the end of the leg 40, where it is also welded. The member 62 may be a stainless steel beam that is welded at one end to the top (in the orientation of FIG. 2 ) of the member 24 and extends at an angle to the end of the leg 42, where it is also welded. Thus, the members 60 and 62, as parts of the frame 20, support the members 22-28 and the stone 30 against movement transverse to the plane of the stone.

It is contemplated to extend a transparent or translucent panel, such as glass, acrylic or polycarbonate sheet, between the members 60 and 62 to form a ceiling. Such a ceiling would shed rain, snow and other precipitation, and protect any decorative items or lights that are positioned between the panel and the stone 30. It is also contemplated to extend translucent or other panels between any or all of the members and legs to enclose the entire rear region adjacent the stone. Such an enclosure may protect lights, flowers, or other memorabilia for display in the enclosure.

In some embodiments, a stone may be restrained by three brackets. In FIG. 5 , an embodiment is shown with a triangular stone 70 that is held at all three corners 71, 72 and 73 by brackets 81, 82 and 83, respectively. A frame is made up of the members 90 and 91, which, in the orientation of FIG. 5 , may be fixed together in an inverted T-shape. The brackets 81 and 83 may be attached at the opposing ends of the member 90. The bracket 82 is fixed near the end of the member 91 opposite the member 90. The brackets 81-83 thus restrain the stone 70 similarly to the brackets described above in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 .

The legs 92 and 93 attach to the member 90 and enable the frame members 90 and 92, along with the attached brackets 81-83 and the stone 70, to be attached to the base 85 by any suitable fasteners or other means. The base 85 may rest upon or may be submerged in the earth to the top of the base 85.

In some embodiments, an accessory, such as the banner stone 98 (FIG. 5 ), may be mounted to one of a framework of members, such as the member 94, which attaches to the member 91. The member 91 is fixed to the member 94, which has brackets 95 and 96 fixed at opposite ends of the banner stone 98 to restrain the stone 98 and prevent theft or damage. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the frame members and brackets may be made of stainless steel, aluminum or any other suitable material. In one contemplated embodiment, the members 90-94 are stainless steel beams that are welded together to form the shape shown. Some or all of the members may have a cross section that is L-shaped, U-shaped, planar or another shape.

In some embodiments, a stone may be restrained by two brackets. In FIG. 6 , an embodiment is shown with an elliptical stone 100 that is held at opposing sides by brackets 110 and 112. A frame is made up of the members 122, 124, 126 and 128, which may be stainless steel or aluminum beams, welded together, which may form a rectangle. The brackets 110 and 112 are attached to the members 124 and 122, respectively, and the stone 100 is restrained therebetween. The members 122 and 124 are fixed to the base 130, such as by bolts or by the members 122 and 124 inserting into, the top of the base 130.

In some embodiments, there may be stones of shapes that are not described by common geometric terms. Nevertheless, these stones may be retained by a plurality of brackets on opposing sides in order to restrain the stones therebetween. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , a grave marker 200 includes the members 202, 204, 206 and 208, which may be stainless steel beams welded together at opposing ends where they join or overlap one another. The members 202-208 are fastened to the base 285, which may be a concrete pad, such as by bolts.

The rectangular stones, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 are joined together by a plurality of beams, some of which are given reference numbers (e.g., 220, 222, 224 and 226). The beams may be metal, stone, adhesive, plastic, composite or any other structural member that connects the stones 210-215. The beams connect the stones to form a single, rigid unit that is held between the bracket 230, which is fixed to the member 206, the bracket 232, which is fixed to the member 204, and the bracket 234, which is fixed to the member 208. In this manner, the brackets 232-236 attached to the frame members 204-208 on opposite sides of the stones 210-215 restrain the unit that is made up of the stones 210-215 connected by the beams.

Other structures may be mounted to the grave markers described herein, such as the grave marker 150 shown in FIG. 6 . A cylindrical receptacle 140 may be mounted to the member 122 as shown in FIG. 6 . The receptacle 140 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, stone or any suitable material. The receptacle 140 may be in the form of a cup with circular cylindrical sidewalls and a floor that retain flowers and water therein for display. Other structures that may retain mementos, such as flowers, photographs or other items, may be mounted to the members, brackets or stones.

This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intended principally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention or scope of the following claims. 

1. A marker for a grave in the earth, the marker comprising: (a) a base configured for contact with the earth; (b) a stone panel with indicia thereon, the stone panel having opposing first and second faces and opposing first and second edges; (c) a first bracket configured for extending over the first edge; (d) a second bracket configured for extending over the second edge, the first and second brackets configured for restraining the stone panel therebetween; and (e) a frame attached to the first and second brackets and configured for attachment to the base.
 2. The marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first bracket has a first front face panel and at least one finger configured for disposing adjacent the first edge, the second bracket has a second front face panel and at least one finger configured for disposing adjacent the second edge, wherein the stone panel is configured for interposition between the frame and the first and second front face panels.
 3. The marker in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one member configured to extend to the base from attachment to the frame, thereby forming an enclosure between the stone panel and the base.
 4. The marker in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: (a) a third bracket configured for extending over a third edge of the stone panel; and (b) a fourth bracket configured for extending over a fourth edge of the stone panel, wherein the third and fourth brackets are configured for attachment to the frame.
 5. The marker in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: (a) a second planar stone panel with indicia thereon, the second stone panel having opposing first and second edges and configured for being spaced from the stone panel; (b) a third bracket attached to the frame and configured for extending over the first edge of the second stone panel; and (c) a fourth bracket attached to the frame and configured for extending over the second edge of the second stone panel.
 6. The marker in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a receptacle mounted to at least one of the frame and the first and second brackets.
 7. A grave marker mounted at a grave in the earth, the marker comprising: (a) a base in contact with the earth; (b) a stone panel with indicia thereon, the panel having opposing first and second faces and opposing first and second edges; (c) a first bracket extending over the first edge; (d) a second bracket extending over the second edge, wherein the first and second brackets sufficiently restrain the stone panel to restrict removal of the stone panel without moving at least one of the brackets relative to the stone panel; and (e) a frame attached to the brackets and extending to attachment to the base, thereby forming a gap between the stone panel and the base.
 8. The marker in accordance with claim 7, wherein the first bracket has a first front face panel and at least one finger disposed adjacent the first edge, the second bracket has a second front face panel and at least one finger disposed adjacent the second edge, and the stone panel is interposed between the frame and the first and second front face panels.
 9. The marker in accordance with claim 7, further comprising at least one member extending to the base from attachment to the frame, thereby forming an enclosure between the stone panel and the base.
 10. The marker in accordance with claim 7, further comprising: (a) a third bracket attached to the frame and extending over a third edge of the stone panel; and (b) a fourth bracket attached to the frame and extending over a fourth edge of the stone panel.
 11. The marker in accordance with claim 7, further comprising: (a) a second planar stone panel with indicia thereon, the second stone panel spaced from the stone panel and having opposing first and second edges; (b) a third bracket attached to the frame and extending over the first edge of the second stone panel; and (c) a fourth bracket attached to the frame and extending over the second edge of the second stone panel.
 12. The marker in accordance with claim 7, further comprising a receptacle mounted to at least one of the frame and the first and second brackets.
 13. A method of constructing a grave marker at a grave in the earth, the method comprising: (a) disposing a base in contact with the earth; (b) attaching a frame to the base; (c) attaching first and second spaced brackets to the frame; and (d) disposing a stone panel with indicia in a gap between the first and second brackets, the stone panel having opposing first and second edges over which the first and second brackets, respectively, are positioned, forming a gap between the stone panel and the base, wherein the first and second brackets sufficiently restrain the stone panel to restrict removal of the stone panel without moving at least one of the brackets relative to the stone panel.
 14. The method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising extending at least one member to the base from attachment to the frame, thereby forming an enclosure between the stone panel and the base.
 15. The method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising: (a) extending a third bracket attached to the frame over a third edge of the stone panel; and (b) extending a fourth bracket attached to the frame over a fourth edge of the stone panel.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising: (a) spacing from the stone panel a second planar stone panel having indicia and opposing first and second edges; (b) extending a third bracket attached to the frame over the first edge of the second stone panel; and (c) extending a fourth bracket attached to the frame over the second edge of the second stone panel.
 12. The method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising mounting a receptacle to at least one of the frame and the first and second brackets. 